A Reader Asks: If My Son Gets Care From The Indian Health Service, Is He Fulfilling His Health Law Requirements?

Q. If our son is able to get healthcare from the local Indian Health Clinic, is he still required to get Obamacare insurance?

A. He may not be. Starting in January, most people have to have health insurance that qualifies as “minimum essential coverage” under the law or face a penalty. Job-based health insurance, Medicare Part A, Medicaid and Tricare, the health program for members of the military and their families, all meet the standards for minimum essential coverage under the health law.

However, members of federally recognized tribes are one of several groups exempt from the penalty for not having insurance. Others include people who can’t afford coverage or are experiencing a hardship, or those who have a short gap in coverage of less than three months.

In 2014, the penalty for not having insurance will be $95 or 1 percent of family income, whichever is greater. That amount will increase to $695, or 2.5 percent of income in 2016.

Members of Indian tribes who qualify can complete a form to apply for an exemption from the requirement to have insurance. The form is currently under development, according to an IHS spokesperson.